Karnataka Road Accident: 9 Killed After Bus Catches Fire Following Truck Collision

Nine Killed in Karnataka as Bus Catches Fire After Collision With Truck

Karnataka Road Accident: 9 Killed After Bus Catches Fire Following Truck Collision

Karnataka : At least nine people were killed in a tragic road accident in Karnataka after a passenger bus caught fire following a collision with a truck, officials said on Tuesday. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state and once again highlighted concerns over road safety and emergency response on highways.

According to police, the accident occurred in the early hours on a national highway when the bus, carrying several passengers, rammed into a truck from behind. The impact of the collision was severe, causing the bus to burst into flames within minutes. Several passengers were reportedly trapped inside the vehicle as the fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for escape.

Local residents and passersby rushed to the scene after noticing the blaze and alerted emergency services. Fire tenders and police teams reached the spot, but by the time the flames were brought under control, nine passengers had died, many due to burn injuries and suffocation. Several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, where some remain in critical condition.

Preliminary investigations suggest that overspeeding and poor visibility may have contributed to the crash, though officials said the exact cause would be determined after a detailed probe. “The collision was extremely forceful. The fuel tank of the bus appears to have ruptured, leading to the fire,” a senior police officer said. Authorities are also examining whether the truck was parked improperly or moving slowly on the highway at the time of the accident.

Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes at the crash site. “The bus was on fire within seconds. People were screaming for help, but the flames spread too fast,” said a local shopkeeper who witnessed the aftermath. Some passengers managed to escape with injuries, while others could not break free in time.

Chief Minister of Karnataka expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased. In a statement, the Chief Minister said, “The incident is deeply painful. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The state government will provide all possible assistance to the injured and ensure strict action after the investigation.”

Transport and police authorities have launched a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Officials are checking the fitness condition of the bus, driver fatigue, adherence to speed limits, and compliance with safety norms. The role of the truck driver is also under investigation, and statements are being recorded.

The accident has reignited debate over fire safety measures in public transport, including the need for better emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and stricter enforcement of highway safety rules. Road safety experts have repeatedly warned that collisions involving heavy vehicles often turn deadly due to fuel leaks and delayed rescue operations.

As families mourn the victims, the state administration has assured that steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, police have urged drivers to maintain safe speeds, especially during night travel, and called for greater awareness to reduce the rising number of fatal road accidents in Karnataka.